Declaration of War held off Trading Leather to win the Juddmonte International Stakes as the pre-race favourites faltered in the £750,000 race at York.

The Joseph O’Brien-ridden colt looked in control as he held off the Irish Derby champion to take a surprise victory by a length and a quarter.

The race was billed as a showdown between Toronado and Al-Kazeem – the former seeking to add to their Prince of Wales’ and Eclipse Stakes titles this season with the latter attempting to win on their debut over 10 furlongs.

But it didn’t turn out as planned as they finished third and last respectively.

Declaration of War had previously lost to the pair at Goodwood in July.